Preview: USC Salkehatchie Indians at Wake Tech Eagles

RALEIGH, N.C. (Interstat) — Two junior college men’s basketball teams on contrasting trajectories will meet Saturday when the USC Salkehatchie Indians visit the Wake Tech Eagles.

The Indians (4-2) enter with momentum from a high-scoring 126-117 victory over Brunswick on Jan. 11. That win highlighted an offense capable of explosive outputs, as seen in a 134-127 double-overtime win over Polk State to open the season. However, consistency has been an issue, with a 95-116 loss at Caldwell Tech on Jan. 7.

Wake Tech (3-4) looks to rebound at home after a 96-82 loss to Caldwell Tech last Saturday. The Eagles’ season has been marked by narrow victories and lopsided defeats. A key bright spot has been the recent play of Jaiden Shephard, who posted a double-double of 10 points and 14 rebounds in a 77-72 road win at Cape Fear on Jan. 7.

Saturday’s matchup pits Salkehatchie’s potent scoring against a Wake Tech squad seeking defensive stability. The Indians have averaged over 103 points in their wins but allowed 115.5 in their two losses. Wake Tech’s victories have been tighter, relying on efforts like Shephard’s on the boards.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, this contest is projected to be a dead-even shootout, forecasting a 100-100 draw. This suggests a potentially volatile game where the final possessions could decide it.

The game is scheduled for 4 p.m. EST on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at Wake Tech’s home court. It is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams, with the rematch set for Saturday, Feb. 14, in Allendale, South Carolina.

For Wake Tech, the schedule does not ease, with games against Denmark Tech, Cape Fear and Gaston looming next. USC Salkehatchie faces a road test at Denmark Tech on Jan. 22 following this contest.